This article is brought to you as part of the ASCAP Wellness Program.

 

The life of a professional creator comes with access to some of the most incredible experiences imaginable. But as any creator knows, this line of work can cut both ways.

 

Creators typically have more exposure than the average person to behaviors and environments that can lead to excess, and the pressure and vulnerability that can come with working in the music industry makes creators even more vulnerable to succumbing to detrimental or even potentially self-destructive behaviors.

 

As if that weren’t enough, there’s the outdated yet culturally romanticized notion of "sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll,” which charges a potentially unhealthy lifestyle with a sort of magnetism, and may even make some creators feel like it’s a necessary part of being perceived as a rock star. (Spoiler alert: It’s not.)

 

Even creators who are aware of all this might still feel stuck with their unhealthy or excessive behaviors, for fear that shedding them could dull their edge in the public eye.

 

Getting lost in a haze of counterproductive habits, like not sleeping enough, eating poorly and abusing alcohol and drugs, can result in a bottomless pit of issues unless conscious efforts are taken, says Rayni Collins, a licensed professional counselor with extensive experience working with creatives including musicians, dancers and visual artists.

 

Unhealthy habits can come with serious consequences. For one, they can negatively impact the quality of your art – and your ability to create it. Moreover, they can significantly stunt the longevity of a creator's career, and there is nothing rock 'n' roll about not having a music career anymore.

 

So, how can you balance a healthy lifestyle and your rock star dreams? The answer: more easily than you might have thought.

 

 

Remember what it actually means to be a rock star

 

When you really distill it down, a big part of the rock ’n’ roll image – perhaps even its essence – is the idea that you spend your time doing the things you want to do. What those things are is entirely up to you.

 

Regardless of whether you choose to engage in activities that are detrimental to your body and mind or constructive, the point is that it’s your choice. So why not choose the latter?

 

Taking time to indulge in hobbies or spending time with people outside of your field is an excellent use of any creator’s free time, Collins says. Breathing new life into aspects of yourself that might have been dormant until now or suppressed by certain destructive habits can not only expose you to new sources of inspiration for your work but also reinvigorate your image as a more interesting, multi-dimensional personality.

 

By engaging other aspects of themselves, and stepping into activities unrelated to their primary craft, creators can also find relief from the stresses and pressures of daily life, leading to greater career success in the long run, Collins says.

 

 

Build out a rock-solid schedule

 

In addition to the perceived expectation of fitting the cliché mold of a “rock star,” turning to unhealthy coping mechanisms and habits is often simply the result of too much unstructured free time, Collins says.

 

That’s why laying down a solid – and scheduled – foundation of healthy wellness habits should be the first step for any creator who is serious about achieving long-term success.

 

On the surface, it may seem like eating at similar times each day and adhering as best you can to consistent sleep and wake times have nothing to do with making good music, but it’s all interconnected.

 

“In both good and bad times, it is always critical to keep to the basics of sleeping, drinking enough water, eating healthy, exercising and nurturing relationships,” Collins says. “If one or more of those basics are not met, it can be challenging to perform – especially at a high level.”

 

 

Get high off your own supply

 

Chasing highs isn’t just about substances. In fact, for many creators, the root of unhealthy dependencies can be traced back to the basic human desire to be loved or even just accepted. That’s why surrounding yourself with a loving inner circle – whether friends, family or a mix of both – is key.

 

“Most successful creators have a team of people that keep their feet on the ground in reality with honesty and guidance,” Collins says.

 

The music industry can be a rollercoaster ride of praise and criticism; sadly, this is what drives many to rely on substances or behaviors they can count on to temporarily lift their spirits. From there, it’s a vicious cycle, as these crutches are typically also the very thing that drive away the meaningful personal relationships that can provide creators with the support they need.

 

+ Healthy Advice For Creators to Deal With Criticism

 

In addition to providing creators with a consistent sense of love and acceptance, a solid inner circle can also reduce a creator’s need for approval, and allow them to produce their most authentic work, Collins says. “A musician who creates more of what they want, as opposed to what others want, experiences less burnout. It’s more challenging to stay true to oneself, but it's often the most prosperous path.”

 

 

Have a good time – for a long time

 

Think of your all-time favorite creators – the epic acts who truly made a mark. What do they all have in common? We’re guessing they’re not one-hit wonders. In fact, we’ll go out on a limb and say they probably have lengthy discographies that span a few decades.

 

To put it simply, “musicians who focus on their health have longer, more successful careers,” Collins says.

 

Remember, your health can exist without your music career, but your music career can’t exist without your health. And avoiding unhealthy habits is especially crucial as we get older, as our bodies lose their ability to rebound as easily as when we were younger.

 

“Over time, and as the body ages, poor choices increasingly detriment health and functioning,” Collins says. “Being proactive and preventative can save someone from learning the hard way. Prioritizing your health and wellness can only benefit your career in the long run and help you avoid burning out early.”